2014 Audi Q5 Body & structure Problems

My Q5 has a defective subframe. The system is defective because plastic coverings on the subframes of Audi Q5s and SQ5s trap moisture and other elements, causing the subframe to rust, rot, and corrode undetected, which creates a dangerous safety hazard, the existence and extent of which is concealed by the plastic coverings. This results in a myriad of negative consequences for the Class Vehicles and their safe and reliable operation. The defect, which can only be discovered after removing the plastic covering on the vehicles’ steel subframe, leaves an affected Audi vulnerable to “structural instability.”

NHTSA ID

11754215

Incident

Jul 29, 2026

Severe corrosion of the rear subframe crossmember on a 2014 Audi Q5 Premium Plus, purchased with 65,464 miles. Two independent inspections in South Carolina confirmed structural failure. Audi of Greenville, an authorized Audi dealership, marked the condition as VERY DANGEROUS on the service invoice and quoted $4,711.52 for subframe replacement. They were unable to perform a wheel alignment due to the severity of the corrosion. Yoder's Automotive in Westminster, SC independently confirmed the subframe was rusted beyond repair on both sides. Fist-sized holes have corroded through the structural metal on both sides of the subframe. The vehicle has plastic stone guard covers bolted over the subframe from the factory. These covers trapped road salt and moisture against unpainted mild steel, accelerating concealed corrosion that was invisible until the covers were removed during inspection. The vehicle is undriveable and has not been driven since the defect was discovered in approximately March 2026. This defect pattern is documented in at least 16 prior NHTSA complaints for Audi Q5 models spanning model years 2010 through 2018. Audi has revised the subframe part number at least five times (8R0505235F through 8R0505235N) but has issued zero recalls and zero consumer notifications.

NHTSA ID

11730241

Incident

Mar 18, 2026

This vintage 2014 Audi A5 has a well known serious rust perforation issue with the rear subframe. The corrosion / rust through of two major holes, approx 3 inches in diameter, causing structural failure of the sub frame. This is a major saftey concern with these cars from model year 2009 thru 2017. The only remedy is replacement of the sub frame under Audi's 12 year rust perforation warranty or good will.

NHTSA ID

11729264

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

Vehicle rear subframe comes with plastic covers that trap road salt and cause severe corrosion. Issue only presents itself when plastic covers are removed, revealing rust/corrosion and lost material, and a risk of the subframe to split resulting in lost of vehicle control on the road. This was found as a preventative action due to reports from other car owners and is confirmed by Audi Dealers as a common issue. Labor and parts estimate around $6000 (including $2000 in parts)

NHTSA ID

11705300

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

2014 Audi Q5 TDI with 115000 miles. Rear subframe inspected individually, by independent shop, and by Audi dealership. Found to have severe rust with perforation underneath where plastic debris covers are mounted. It is currently installed on vehicle at time of complaint. The failure of the subframe can disable the vehicle while driving, disconnect the axle and surrounding components, and cause an accident with one or more vehicles on the road. Audi has a 12 year/unlimited mileage warranty but claims it is not covered under warranty. Repair is quoted around ~$6000 including parts and labor.

NHTSA ID

11672270

Incident

Jul 9, 2025

There is severe rust in the rear subframe. It's so bad that the rust has made holes right through the subframe - compromising its integrity. This is a serious safety issue as the subframe holds the suspension and wheels and could break at any point. This is not normal wear and tear. This is a manufacturer's defect and a major safety issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

NHTSA ID

11648037

Incident

Mar 12, 2025

I recently discovered that my Q5 tubular rear subframe/crossmember (part # 8R0505235N) has rusted thru near a bushing that supports the rear transaxle. The rust thru area at the transaxle is about a foot long. This subframe supports the rear axle and all the rear suspension components. I brought my Q5 to the local Audi dealer and they took a video showing two areas on the subframe that have rusted thru, the bushing area supporting the transaxle and also an area supporting the left rear suspension. The dealership did not allow me to take the Q5 back and gave me a loaner vehicle to drive until the subframe can be replaced. The dealership contacted Audi North America and Audi agreed to pay 40% of the cost to replace the rear subframe. I think Audi should pay 100% as this is a serious safety issue. My Q5 has no other areas of corrosion except a slight amount of surface rust on the exhaust and is otherwise in excellent condition with only 50,444 miles. It has always been garaged since purchased new and has been in no accidents. The Audi service tech even complimented me on how clean my Q5 was at 10 years old. PS - How can I include an attachment of the video taken by the Audi dealership?

NHTSA ID

11519666

Incident

Apr 2, 2023

SQUEAKS AND/OR RATTLES ARE HEARD FROM THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF AREA.

NHTSA ID

11414213

Incident

Apr 26, 2021

WHEN CLOSING THE TRUNK THE DASH MARKS AS IF IT WERE OPEN. I HAVE TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE TRUNK SEVERAL TIMES SO THAT IT STOPS MARKING AS IF IT WERE OPEN.

NHTSA ID

11414212

Incident

Apr 26, 2021

WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR BLINDED MY VIEW OF THE CAR WAITING AT THE STOP SIGN OF THE ROAD I WAS ENTERING. MY CAR CLIPPED THE OTHER CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID

10550913

Incident

Nov 4, 2013

Mileage

2,500 mi